(above) Two-car RDC train kicks
up snow between Norristown and Valley Forge, February 11, 1978.Click on these
six photos for larger views.

The End of SEPTA Diesel Commuter Train Service

July 26, 1981 was the last day that SEPTA provided commuter
rail service between Lansdale and Bethlehem, and between Norristown and Pottsville.

At the time, Reagan-era policy abolished federal operating
subsidies for mass transit. Federal funds could still be spent to buy new equipment,
but could not be used to run it.

Among the casualties of this policy, were SEPTA's diesel-powered
commuter rail lines. Other SEPTA lines that would be discontinued were the diesel
service to Newtown, and the service to Newark, NJ.

Another factor in the downfall of the diesel commuter lines,
was the omission of ventilation fans in the design of the Center City Commuter
Tunnel which would open in 1984. DVARP advocated for the inclusion of ventilation
fans that would pull diesel exhaust out of the tunnels and stations, thus enabling
continued diesel service. SEPTA refused.